ISLAMABAD, Federal Minister for Information, Broadcasting, National Heritage, and Culture, Attaullah Tarar, shared on Sunday that Pakistan has made notable strides in both its foreign policy and economic landscape this year, embracing a more open approach to trade and investment.
In a conversation with foreign media representatives ahead of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) summit on October 15, Tarar emphasized Pakistan’s growing presence on the global stage, with the world increasingly recognizing its potential. He highlighted the successful visit of Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim to Pakistan, where key discussions on trade, investment, and bilateral relations took place.
During the visit, Malaysia committed to increasing imports from Pakistan, particularly rice and Halal meat, which Tarar said would further enhance ties between the two nations.
Tarar also pointed to a recent high-level visit by a Saudi delegation, led by the Saudi Minister of Investment, during which multiple agreements worth $2.2 billion were signed to bolster cooperation. He noted that Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman has shown a keen interest in expanding trade with Pakistan.
On the economic front, the minister reported a significant drop in inflation to 6.9% from over 32% the previous year, alongside a 14% rise in exports. He expressed appreciation for the contribution of overseas Pakistanis, who sent a record $8.8 billion in remittances during the first quarter of the fiscal year.
Tarar also discussed Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s recent visit to Tajikistan, reaffirming Pakistan’s commitment to liberal trade and investment policies. He expressed optimism regarding the upcoming visit of the Chinese Prime Minister, predicting it would be transformative for the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), especially as the initiative enters its second phase.
Looking ahead to the SCO summit, Tarar expressed confidence that it would significantly enhance Pakistan’s global image. He remarked on Islamabad’s beautification ahead of the event and hoped the summit would foster cooperation on issues such as anti-terrorism, climate change, and trade among member nations. Additionally, he noted that the summit would serve as an opportunity for Pakistan to showcase its tourism potential, rich culture, and heritage to the world.
